Green grass, orange construction signs in Tucson

TUCSON — If there was any doubt that this was the Rockies’ last year in Tucson it was removed as I pulled into the Hi Corbett Field. Or tried to pull in. There were construction signs everywhere with a detour.

My expertise with tools pretty much ended when my kids stopped watching Bob The Builder, but it looks like they were digging a moat in front of the parking lot. That’s one way to keep fans away — make them leap a crocodile to see their favorite team. I am sure it will be fixed by the first games in a few weeks, but it was an interesting sight.

As for the Rockies, the only thing more surprising than orange cones was the green grass. I think this might be the first winter I don’t see my front lawn. Darn snow won’t melt. The grass here is expectant, crisp, a reminder of the summer to come.

A few quick notes:
–Saw Miguel Olivo today. He’s definitely excited to be with the Rockies. He really wanted to play for a contender, so he took less money to play in Colorado.

–Eric Young Jr. had a blast at fantasy camp where his dad Eric Young was the commissioner. Young told funny stories about the kangaroo court in camp. One guy was fined for going onto the field without his jersey on, while other camper took BP in the cage with his cellphone on his belt. The small fine money was used to tip the clubhouse guys.

–Among the players working out today were Clint Barmes, who spent part of his afternoon tossing BP to his young son, Huston Street, Matt Daley and Matt Belisle.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.